SW New Mexico News

NM’s Second District Proposes CPF Investments for the First Time

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, April 20, 2023, Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced his proposal for over $30 million in Community Project Funding (CPF) for New Mexico’s second congressional district in FY24. Each year, Congress is responsible for passing Appropriations legislation to fund federal agencies. Rep. Vasquez’s proposed projects focus on an array of issues ranging from public safety investments to infrastructure improvements on roads and wastewater facilities.

“Our budget is a statement of our values, that’s why I’m especially proud to work with local leaders and partners to bring home much-needed federal investments,” said Rep. Vasquez. “From Isleta Pueblo to Carlsbad to Columbus, the projects I’m proposing help support our law enforcement officers, keep our constituents safe in the event of natural disasters, and ensure my constituents have access to clean water . I’m in office to serve NM-02, and that means assisting in getting the necessary funding. That’s why I listened directly to my constituents about what our federal budget should prioritize.”

Rep. Vasquez opened CPF applications in February and received various applications. Members are restricted to submit only fifteen community project. After careful review, Rep. Vasquez is proud to propose $31.4 million in CPF grants to support community projects in New Mexico’s second congressional district. 

Deputy Chief W. Troy Weisler of the New Mexico State Police said, “Communications are the lifeline for first responders in the field. New Mexico’s rural nature provides unique challenges, which this funding will help address. By working with Rep. Vasquez, this project will improve public safety services in communities throughout southern New Mexico and allow the men and women of the New Mexico State Police to more safely do their job.”

“Luna County would like to thank Representative Gabe Vasquez and his entire team for their efforts in supporting funding for two extremely important projects,” said Luna County Manager Chris Brice. “The Mobile Command Unit is a multipurpose vehicle used by all law enforcement agencies to include Emergency Management for community events, crisis response and provides the ability to respond where needed. The wastewater treatment facility in the Village of Columbus is in dire need of upgrades that this funding will make a reality. The citizens of Columbus deserve a safe, secure, and well operating treatment facility for the health and welfare for all. Thank you Representative Vasquez for always following through on your commitments to rural areas of your district. Your leadership is indeed inspiring.”

“Thank you to Congressman Vasquez for advocating for the Pueblo of Isleta’s fire management project. With his support, the Pueblo will be more effective in responding to wildfire threats and reducing wildfire risk. Given the dangers that wildfire continues to pose to the entire state, this funding will be critical to the safety of the Isleta community, as well as all surrounding communities. We look forward to our continued partnership with Congressman Vasquez,” said Governor Zuni of the Isleta Pueblo.  

“The SWNM Council of Governments is excited to see that the Lordsburg Special Events Center will be brought back to life for the residents of the City and County, and we’re looking forward to working with Rep. Vasquez to make this a reality. This will provide families in an underserved area a place to gather with their children,” added Priscilla C. Lucero, Executive Director of the Lordsburg Special Events Center.

Information about all fifteen proposed projects is available on Vasquez’s website at https://vasquez.house.gov/services/fy24-appropriations-requests.

Original source can be found here.